Hundreds protest over data centre plans
Placard-waving opponents highlight concerns about a data centre development on the local landscape.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Caernarfon to voice their concerns over plans to construct a new data centre on a 101-acre site between Caernarfon and Y Felinheli in Gwynedd. Developers claim the project could create over 900 jobs during its construction phase and 200 permanent roles. However, the opposition is strong, with more than 22,500 people signing a petition against the plan.
Canolfan Ddata Menai, the organization behind the proposal, argues that the data centre would transform the long-abandoned site and provide significant employment opportunities. They state that the project would preserve the surrounding area, including the Lôn Las Menai cycleway and footpath, and have no adverse effect on the Menai Strait and its Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Opponents, however, are adamant that the data centre represents the destruction of a beautiful part of the Menai Strait. Ernest Dyson, a local resident, passionately expressed his discontent, emphasizing that the people of the area are the guardians of the Menai Strait and must consider its preservation. Liz Saville Roberts, the Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for proper regulations and ensuring that communities benefit from such projects.
The debate emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between technological advancement and environmental preservation, as well as the need for effective regulations to prevent past mistakes in the Welsh region.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
